If you're seeking a destination with a wide variety of things to do, Cancun may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, Playa del Carmen has a more laid-back atmosphere and is known for its beautiful cenotes and eco-parks.
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In fact, after staying five nights, I realized this lovely Mexican city is brimmed with beauty and excitement. Playa Del Carmen offers endless activities to make your holiday memorable, from lounging on its sandy beaches to exploring ancient Mayan ruins. And don't forget those cenotes!
Playa del Carmen started out as a Fisherman's village, as many as 110 years ago. The white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and laid-back feel have made it a popular destination for tourists.
Depending on the style of nightlife you are looking for might sway you towards one location over the other. Cancun is widely known as a spring break hot spot but Playa del Carmen also has its fair share of wild parties. Both cities have nightclubs such as Coco Bongo, Mandala, and La Vaquita.
Waves will not get to big, this is a not a surfers paradise so swimming can be done every day! Playa del Carmen and the bays are protected by natural reef systems or in the case of Playa, the island of Cozumel so high waves just don't happen very often.
The best time to visit Playa del Carmen is between April and May, when there are fewer people along the shore. Day temperatures hover between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, dropping slightly in the evenings. From October to March, the climate is generally dry and slightly warm.
The ideal number of days in Playa del Carmen depends on your preferences and interests. Generally, a 3 to 7-day trip should provide enough time to see the main attractions, enjoy the beach, and take day trips to nearby sights.
Prices are generally at their lowest during the humid rainy season, with May to June and September to October usually seeing the lowest prices. However, late April and early December can also see reasonable prices, as well as drier, less humid weather, so be aware of offers around this time too.
To get to Playa del Carmen, most travelers fly into Cancún International Airport (CUN), which is about 35 miles north of Playa del Carmen. To reach Playa, you can rent a car, take a bus or hop in a taxi.
Playa del Carmen is one of the most popular vacation spots in Mexico for a reason. Visitors can enjoy luxurious all inclusive resorts, fabulous restaurants, local shops and great nightlife. Playa del Carmen beaches are some of the most beautiful beaches as well, with pillowy white sand and turquoise waters.
With its stunning beaches of crystal-clear waters and white sands, the region is a true tropical paradise. If you are looking for a beach to enjoy water sports or just relax, Playa del Carmen is an excellent choice.
Is it safe to drive in Mexico? You'll take this road, Highway 307 (Carretera Cancun-Chetumal), from the Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen. Short answer: Yes — For the vast majority of travelers, it is safe to drive in Playa del Carmen and much of Mexico.
How many days in Cancun you should plan will depend on your interests, but I'd say 3 to 5 days is the perfect amount of time. However, I'd recommend planning a trip to Cancun for a full week if you also want to go on day trips.
From October to March, the climate is generally dry and slightly warm. Summer days and nights tend to offer high temperatures and humidity. The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June to November, so check local weather forecasts and hurricane warnings before booking your trip.
May is the hottest month in Playa del Carmen with an average temperature of 28.35°C (83°F) and the coldest is January at 23.3°C (74°F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 11 in May. The wettest month is September with an average of 173.1mm of rain.
Poised along the glitzy Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen is no doubt one of the most expensive parts of Mexico, but even shoestring travelers will rejoice at the legion of well-priced apartments, cheap local eats and affordable day-trip options available in Playa del Carmen.
Be extra careful at night in Playa del CarmenAs with many places in the world, most crimes in Playa del Carmen occur at night. Besides being extra careful at the bars in Playa del Carmen, you'll also want to be extra careful when walking alone at night.
Playa del Carmen is generally safe at night, however, it is important to take the same precautions as you would in any other city. It is best to stay in well-lit, populated areas and avoid walking alone at night. It is also recommended to avoid carrying large amounts of cash and to keep your valuables out of sight.
Playa del Carmen is one of the safest places to travel in Mexico, and one of the best beach towns in Mexico. For the most part, Playa del Carmen is considered safe for the majority of visitors, with the biggest threats usually being hurricanes, hangovers, sunburns and mosquitoes.